I am so excited about the NEW Gluten-Free Bob’s Red Mill Muffin Mix! It is so easy to use, just add a few ingredients to the mix – eggs, milk, butter or oil, mix it and bake! Hot fresh muffins from your oven within about 20 minutes. You can also add your favorite combinations to the mix as well. The packaging gives you ideas and instructions to make your favorites such as – Banana Nut, Lemon Blueberry, Chocolate Cherry, Pineapple Coconut and Orange Cranberry. The bag says that the mix makes approximately 12 regular size muffins.

Well you know me, I love coconut with chocolate and in the morning it just seems perfect to add some extra freshness. Bright citrus flavor from an orange is the perfect compliment to wake up your tastebuds. I followed the instructions and made just a few additions and modifications to make my muffins non-dairy. I used non-dairy butter and 3/4 cup of lite coconut milk from a can. I also added 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. I zested and juiced one medium size orange. The zest was approximately 1 tablespoon and the juice was 1/4 cup. I also added 1 cup of non-dairy chocolate chips. I followed the directions and folded in all the ingredients. Please note if you do not want your muffins to be non-dairy just use milk and butter or oil.

I made two batches and it turns out that I made 24 Gluten-Free Orange Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins. The mini muffins are so fun to enjoy and easy to add to your bag for a snack anytime of the day. I also made 18 regular sized muffins with a twist because I added coconut flakes to the batter. I lightly folded the coconut flakes into the batter to make sure it was all incorporated. I like to make different sizes of muffins when the ingredients are similar but not exactly the same because I realize that some people do not like coconut. I want everyone to enjoy my muffins so this makes it easier to see the different ingredients and not get mixed up.

I really love how both of the muffins turned out. I highly recommend keeping extra bags, yes I said bags as in several, of the NEW Gluten-Free Bob’s Red Mill Muffin Mix in your pantry. The muffins are light, fluffy and flavorful. The mix is so versatile that you can change the add-ins seasonally to match whatever craving you and your family desire. I noted the number of muffins that I made because it seems as though I got a bonus by baking a total of 42 muffins! The totals may vary so experiment and try them out.

I love Bob’s Red Mill new vintage look packaging for their new Gluten-Free mixes. Look for all of the Gluten Free mixes – Brownie, Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookie and Muffin Mix online or at your favorite natural market. I haven’t tried them all yet but I am sure they are just as delicious as always!

I love, love, love Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Muffin Mix and I know you will love them too!

Salud!

Lisa

I am honored to be a Bob’s Red Mill hero – advocating for Celiac Awareness and better Gluten-Free products – for the past six plus years. They keep me updated with all of their new Gluten-Free products. I would like to thank Bob’s Red Mill for sending me a complimentary bag of their New Gluten-Free Muffin Mix. I was not influenced by this gift. I have been a big fan of Bob’s Red Mill for many years and plan to continue for many more.

Well it’s official, I have found my new favorite slightly sweet and savory, nutty, chocolate bar by Food Should Taste Good, aka FSTG. The new Real Good bars are – Hazelnut Sea Salt and Macadamia Chai. This is exciting news because both bars are certified Gluten-Free, NON-GMO, low salt, certified Kosher and use Fair Trade cocoa.

I really love the exotic flavors of the Real Good Bar – Macadamia Chai, it is the perfect blend of spicy chai with cinnamon, cardamon and ginger that is softly sweetened by the coconut and honey. The perfect compliment with afternoon tea or coffee or by itself as an afternoon snack.

The Real Good Bar – Hazelnut Sea Salt is an excellent treat when you want natural goodness from the pairing of hazelnuts and chocolate. All of the flavors of a homemade cake or pastry but healthier. I love all of my favorite flavors packed into one Real Good Bar – Hazelnuts, Almonds, Macadamia nuts, rich Fair Trade chocolate, orange zest and robust Madagascar vanilla.

Food Should Taste Good, Real Good Bars are simply delicious and ready to go with you anywhere. I love to take them with me on a walk, to an outdoor concert or movie, picnic or when I am running errands. They slip nicely into a purse or pocket and help to chase away the hungriest of monsters distracting you from having a good time or relaxing while at work or play.

Look for the newest products, Real Good Bar from Food Should Taste Good at your favorite natural market or online.

Salud!

Lisa

Thank you to Food Should Taste Good for sending me the samples of their two new bars. I really enjoy them and am not paid or influenced by the complimentary gift.

The summer season is in full swing with a busy delicious social calendar of smoky BBQs, garlicky dips and hotdogs overflowing with onions and relish at the ballpark. What is a Gluten-Free Foodie to do in hot and sticky social situations to freshen things up? No worries my friend, Pür Mints has the answer, NEW Pür Mints in pouches with five new flavors – Polar Mint, Spearmint, Peppermint, Tangerine Tango and Mojito Lime Mint – all are Gluten-Free.

Pür Mints are sugar free, naturally sweetened with Xylitol – which helps to keep your insulin level stabilized, vegan, nut and soy free, Non-GMO, Swiss made and NO ASPARTAME. Do you know how hard it is to find this incredible combination? Most sugar free gums and mints are made with the icky man made synthetic sweetener – Aspartame. Did you know that there are at least 92 symptoms from the use of Aspartame reported by the FDA? Let’s KICK ASPARTAME together!

Believe it or not there is a flavor for every passionate Pür Mint purist. I am more of a traditional – Polar Mint, Peppermint or Spearmint gal. But, I must say that the Tangerine Tango was surprisingly refreshing and the ideal way to compliment a glass of iced tea while kicking back at the beach or alone to give you some zip while on a walk. Each mint gives you just enough flavor by itself or as a little something extra to help beat a dry mouth.

The real surprise is the Mojito Lime Mint, not too much lime or mint. After further research of consuming certain foods and pairing them with the Pür Mints, the Mojito Lime Mint was the unforeseen, yet obvious winner to compliment a Mexican food meal. It also won high marks when it was enjoyed after consuming Mojitos – the namesake. I don’t know about you but sometimes after a meal I don’t want to add another flavor to my palate to compete. I like to peacefully end my meal. Sometimes I like to subtley enhance the end of the meal by savoring the flavors just a little bit longer.

Pür Mints are purely sweet and the perfect size to savor any passionate moment.

Ok, I’ll admit it, I am passionate about Pür Mints, they are the perfect size mint to savor. The mint may be big but the pouches are small, resealable and easily slip in a pocket or the tiniest of purses. Oh, Oh and the flavors, I’m just going to make sure they are with me wherever I go!

Well my friend are you just as passionate about the Summer social season as I am?!?

Want to join in on the celebration of all things Summer?

Well this is your lucky day – Pür Mints is extending a super special offer just to you.

You don’t have to say no to mints anymore. Get your Pür Mint on – it’s Gluten-Free!

Salud!

Lisa

Thank you to Pür Mints for sending me five complimentary sample pouches of their new product. I was not influenced by this and the thoughts expressed are mine. I was not paid nor will be paid if you place an order with Pür Mints.

I have to share one of my new beauty secrets with you. It is Andalou Naturals – skin, hair and body care that is certified Gluten-Free. It is made with Fruit Stem Cell Science, a minimum of 70% certified Organic and Fair Trade ingredients. Who knew that looking for a natural and Gluten-Free SPF 30 for my face could be so enlightening?!

Earlier this year, I discovered the skin on my cheeks had become extra red and sensitive. It would get worse with flares or when I would consume certain foods. My dermatologist said that it was early stages of Rosacea. She advised me to stay out the sun, wear a hat and wear least SPF30 on all exposed skin, preferably with zinc oxide. So the search was on for me to find a product that would provide multiple duties, be natural, NON-GMO, moisturizing without greasiness and Gluten-Free. I also wanted a product that would blend the unmentionable blotchiness, cover the redness and would assist me in hopefully hiding my age just a little bit longer.

Much to my surprise I found the answer to all my wishes! I found Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses + Color Correct in Sheer Tan SPF 30. It is Certified Gluten-Free, NON-GMO Verified, Vegan, Fair Trade and Organic. It is the perfect combination of moisturizer and color coverage that blends so well with my skin tone. It has a bit of a yellow tone to it that hides my red patches perfectly. I love that it has SPF30, which was not easy to find, so that I can get maximum protection and avoid further sun damage.

I found it at one of my favorite stores, New Seasons Market, in the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA area. They have a lovely wellness department that includes supplements, skin care and makeup items that are all natural. Luckily, the stars must have lined up when I made my wish because I found it on sale! I purchased the 1000 Roses Color+Correct Sheer Tan SPF30. I went home, washed my face and put it on. Later that evening I realized that my face felt very happy, soothed, light – almost forgot I had any product on my face. I tried it for a few more days and ended up going back to try more products. I found the perfect kit to test five new products with the Andalou Naturals Starter Kit. I purchased the 1000 Roses for Sensitive skin, additionally they also offer products for Age Defying, Brightening and Clarifying.

The day and night creams are rich and soothing without greasiness. They absorb quickly and have a light fragrance. The pearl exfoliator is my favorite go to when I am feeling like my skin looks a little sluggish. The pearl exfoliator and toner also help the creams absorb more easily. The mask is purifying and gives me the perfect time to kick back for a few minutes and listen to my favorite music.

I loved the night cream so much I went back to get the full sized night cream and another kit to use for possible travel down the road. So yes, you can say I am a bit obsessed with Andalou Naturals. I went online to learn more about the company and additional products. I had more questions because I knew I just had to share this good news with you. I decided to contact them. I was connected to Amy McKelvey – Brand and Communications Director for Andalou Naturals. We had a nice chat and I thought I would share our Q& A with you..

Lisa – I am very appreciative of the certified Gluten-Free label. What was the thinking behind getting it or what provoked the company to do that?

Amy – We still have so much to learn about the inflammatory process and ingredient sensitivities. For people with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, there is a very clear need for skin and hair products that are certified gluten-free.

Over 40% of Americans are affected negatively by gluten. Reactions vary from rashes to hugely debilitating digestive and energetic responses. Studies show that up to 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed into the bloodstream, so when it came to creating our formulas over 4 years ago, we knew they had to be Certified Gluten-Free and made with the best in organic, vegetarian, cruelty-free, Non-GMO Verified, vegan and natural ingredients available.

It’s not enough to say we don’t use any gluten in our products, brands that care-brands that understand must go the extra step to get certification. Andalou Naturals’ champions label transparency and always has. We were the first personal care company to be 100% Non-GMO Project Verified. The consumer’s right to know is a cause that we will always support and defend–as a brand we make decisions that help the consumer to make informed decisions about their product purchases and their health. No one should have to guess about product ingredients.

Lisa – I have had Celiac for approximately 11 years, it seems that my skin changes all the time. I tend to have Rosacea symptoms and that is what lead me to try Andalou – 1000 Roses. Is that the best product for Rosacea? Or is there another one?

Amy – One of my dearest friends has Celiac and it took a long time for her to get a diagnosis. I empathize with your journey and know that it has been very difficult at times. I love that you are actively sharing, educating and celebrating. Our 1000 Roses Line is formulated specifically for sensitive and reactive skin. The line is dermatologist tested and clinically proven to reduce redness and calm irritated skin by reviving the skin’s hydro lipid barrier. The Get Starter Kit is a great way to experience the routine for under $20 Serums are very important for rosacea, as they deliver critical nutrients deep within to address inflammation and cellular damage, so I would add to this kit the 1000 Roses Absolute Serum in the morning and the Turmeric + C Enlighten Serum at night. Turmeric is a powerful ingredient that works to block inflammation and increase circulation. Our consumers with rosacea rave about this combo.

Lisa – I really appreciate the SPF 30 in the CC & BB products. Does Andalou plan on adding SPF to the body lotions any time soon?

Amy – Our SPF 30 CC & BBs are the best! We do have a lot of new products launching soon but we do not have an SPF body lotion, as of yet. What a great idea though. I love our body lotions and butters made with organic and fair trade shea, cocoa butter, aloe vera, emollient rich plant oils, superfruits and Fruit Stem Cell Science®. I’m putting in a request to product development now!! Thank you.

Lisa – What is the most popular Andalou product?

Amy – We have a number of products that are consistently ranked in the top industry wide—but the number one seller is our Resveratrol Q10 Night Repair Cream. When you have dry skin that is mature or showing signs of aging prematurely this cream is your ally. It is clinically proven to increase elasticity by 87% and renews cells while stimulating collagen production. Consumer’s love waking up to a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and skin that is supple and revitalized—properly nourished and hydrated. It’s a dreamy product.

Lisa -How do you decide which product to use if you want to accomplish all – Age Defying, Clarifying, Brightening and have Sensitive skin? Not to be funny but don’t we want it all? I am guessing that some of the properties are similar throughout each product or can you clarify a bit more please?

Amy – Fruit Stem Cell Science® is clinically proven, award winning Age Defying Innovation, so all of our products, at their core are Age Defying. The different lines were created to help the consumer identify and address their key areas of concern. Naturally, most consumers have many areas of concern. I’m 43 and while my skin is primarily dry and showing more signs of aging, it is also sun damaged. I garden and have spent a lot of time outdoors–while I use the Age Defying line I also use the Brightening serum, BB and Probiotic + C renewal cream regularly to address hyperpigmentation. I also love the 1000 Roses Toner and Eye Revive Gel and the Clarifying Lemon Sugar scrub is amazing when I’m hormonal and showing more oil production in my skin. Start with one line and then incorporate different treatments from lines that are also areas of concern. They all work beautifully together. Email support@andalou.com if you have any questions about which products are right for you.

Lisa – Can you please give me a bit of background about the founders and the company?

Amy – I love our founders and what they have done for the natural products industry. They are fearless leaders who are guided by an innate desire to create affordable, clinically proven, clean products that are good for people and planet. While Andalou Naturals is only 4 years old, Stacey and Mark have built numerous brands that have defined everything that our industry has come to stand for. Beauty Without Cruelty, Avalon Organics, Alba Botanica-I mean, it’s great when brands decide to do the right thing, but when they do what’s right before it’s trendy or in demand—that’s just wildly exciting! A lot of people don’t know about our founders’ commitment to supporting women’s education, equality and empowerment worldwide. 100% of the net proceeds from our A Path of Light Hand Creams directly supports Vital Voices Global Partnership, Open a Door Foundation and SHE-CAN scholarships and their shared commitment to support the next generation of young women leaders.

“When we launched Andalou Naturals it was with the intention to create a sustainable source of revenue for socially responsible people and projects; A Path of Light® is at the intersection where entrepreneurship meets philanthropy.”

Just go to their site – Andalou Naturals to learn more about all of their products and to begin shopping now.

Thank you to Amy and Andalou Naturals for joining in on our celebration this month! I also want to thank them for making such incredibly luscious products that are certified Gluten-Free.

Salud!

Lisa

I paid for all of the products mentioned in this post. I was not paid to post this. I will not be paid if you place an order with Andalou Naturals. This post is just my thoughts and inside scoop on my favorite things to help keep us all looking and feeling beautiful, from one Gluten-Free Foodie to another.

I have to say that when I heard that Walkers was at the food show announcing new additions to their family I was elated! Just the thought of Walkers Gluten-Free Shortbreadmademy heart flutter just a tad. When I gathered myself, I decided to give a shout out to Walkers to find out all the details. Little did I know, Walkers was announcing Gluten-Free triplets!

You see, I grew up on Walkers Shortbread and tea. I used to enjoy them with my Nana and Mum. Nothing compares to Walkers in my book. Actually for the first time in 116 years, Walkers Shortbread has adapted their traditional shortbread recipe so that everyone can enjoy their authentic shortbread. Now people like me with Celiac Disease, or those who are Gluten Intolerant and living a Gluten-Free lifestyle can celebrate with the World’s Finest Shortbread –Walkers Shortbread. Best of all is that Gluten Free Walkers Shortbread is certified Gluten Free andWalkers promises, “all the pure butter taste, aroma and texture you love but without the gluten.”

I received a gift package from Walkers Shortbread with all three new products. I wanted to share some information with you that was included.

“We are delighted to introduce a gluten free option to the Walkers Shortbread line, allowing everyone the opportunity to enjoy this delicious traditional treat without compromising on taste,” said Jim Walker, Managing Director, Walkers Shortbread. “With so many now suffering from food intolerances, we feel it is important to create choices for all and are proud to have the unique offering of traditional shortbread, which is certified gluten free. With three different options, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.” They also stated that the new Walkers Gluten Free Shortbread contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten, which meets the FDA standard for Gluten Free food.

Well I must say that I am quite flattered with the gift package from Walkers with all three for me to enjoy. Well done Walkers! The first bite was better than I remembered. The shortbread melted in my mouth full of butter flavor and absolutely no funky textures. I opened the Chocolate Chip first and I am very impressed with the amount of chocolate chips in each one. The traditional shortbread is pure buttery perfection. Ginger & Lemon with real Ginger bits. Once again, afternoon tea is my new favorite way to add a lil’ zippiness to my afternoon.

The new Gluten Free Walkers Shortbread will arrive in stores across the country soon. Some stores may already offer them. If not, please show them a copy of this post and ask them to add it to their shopping list. Better yet, I would love to see these in our favorite coffee and tea houses, wouldn’t you?!

You can also order directly from Walkers Gluten Free Shortbread from their site. You can buy individual boxes or a variety package ranging from $4.99 ea – $14.97 + SH. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Celiac Awareness Month – brew your favorite tea and enjoying the Triplets – Walkers Gluten Free Shortbread.

Well done Walkers Shortbread and congrats on the newest addition to the Walker family – Triplets!

Enjoy Walkers Gluten Free Shortbread and Carry On!

Lisa

Please note the links in this post are NOT affiliate links. I did not get paid for this post and the opinions expressed are gleefully mine.

Time is ticking for the Kickstarter campaign to support our favorite certified Gluten-Free beer by Ground Breaker Brewing – Portland, Oregon. We only have 3 days left to raise at least $3400 to support the YES We Can – campaign click here.

Ground Breaker Brewing started in December 2011 when James Neumeister, a craft/home brewer, wanted to create a Gluten-Free beer for his friend, Paxton Scott who was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. He wanted to make a more flavorful, 100% Gluten-Free beer beyond a the light beer that was currently saturating the market for his friend and the Gluten-Free community. Ground Breaker Brewing offers 4 year round Gluten-Free and seasonal beers. Ground Breaker Brewing also has a Gastropub that is next to the brewery in Portland, Oregon at 2030 SE 7th (SE 7th & Lincoln St.) they offer a 100% Gluten-Free menu. For more info about their menu, samplings and events go to their website GroundBreakerBrewing.com

Why does the dream of making certified Gluten-Free beer in a can matter to Ground Breaker Brewing?

“Cans provide a light and convenient package that can be much safer than a bottle when taken along on your adventures. Because cans keep out light it also increase the shelf life of the beer.” This will also allow their company to grow and be able to sell to more restaurants, grocery stores, hotels and will help them reach distribution levels.

If Ground Breaker Brewing reaches their Kickstarter goal of $20,000 by Friday, March 13, 2015 9:00 PM PDT they will start brewing Olallie and cans will be available by June 2015.

“With this project we will begin canning two beers; our most popular beer IPA No. 5 and our newest beer, Olallie Ale. Olallie is our new 4.5% ABV beer that currently is only available through the pub in the 22 ounce bottle and on draught. Olallie was built from the beginning to be a canned beer.”

For more info on the rewards of supporting a local Pacific Northwest company via Kickstarter go to the link below.

Oh what a lovely surprise! This gorgeous cookbook – Flavor Flours by Alice Medrich is such a gift in so many ways. The cookbook offers stunning detailed insight on using a variety flours as “hero ingredients” for flavor rather than just adding it as substitutions for wheat. There are over 125 purely decadent recipes that will expand your palate and your mind. Alice uses whole, ancient grains and nut flours that just happen to be Gluten-Free.

Regardless if you have read one or all of Alice Medrich’s cookbooks you know how brilliant she is with incorporating just a few ingredients that create a masterful mouthful of pure delight. Medrich started experimenting with non-wheat flours with her cookbook Pure Desserts and discovered that replacing a portion of the wheat for a new or different, Gluten-Free flour. Much to her surprise the recipes turned out more flavorful, delicate and decadent. So in Chewy Gooey Crispy Crunch Melt-In-Your-Mouth Cookies, the ultimate cookie lovers cookbook, she worked on a few more recipes with the new flavor flours and treated them as “hero ingredients” without wheat.

So after years of testing one recipe after another it is time for all of us to celebrate the flavor and hero ingredients that Medrich calls “Flavor Flours”. I absolutely appreciate the organization and layout of Flavor Flours which includes 8 sections with fine points about each – Rice, Oat, Corn and Cornmeal, Buckwheat, Chestnut, Teff, Sorghum, Nut and Coconut flours. Each section includes recipes that shine the light on the specific hero ingredient. In addition, the final elements section provides a wealth of knowledge on how to customize or accompany any recipe. This includes tips and tricks for bakers of all experiences. The range of recipes is all that you dream of and now you will never miss. Just imagine Chocolate Génoise, Nutmeg Shortbread, Chestnut Jam Tart, Seed Crackers, Boston Cream Pie, Apricot Walnut Rugelach and Maya’s Chocolate Fudge Cake with Milk Chocolate Frosting or Dark Chocolate Soufflés! Plus so many more, did I mention that Flavor Flours cookbook includes 368 pages?! Practically every page is filled with the most tantalizing photography that make you want to dive into your kitchen, bake and indulge.

A few years ago when I met Alice and had a brief discussion about Gluten-Free flours, I couldn’t help but be giddy to think that Alice Medrich, a James Beard Award winning author, was interested in baking with flours that happen to be Gluten-Free. I love this cookbook so much it will be the center of my coffee table and may never get to rest on a shelf. This cookbook is so perfectly exquisite that it makes a lovely gift for everyone. I think it is wonderful for any baker to expand their flour horizons and learn about the plethora of flours available to us. This lovely cookbook only needs a big red bow to give as a gift.

I dove in and just had to make one of Alice’s famous cookies. I absolutely love love love coconut and her Crispy Coconut Wafers on page 324 just had to be made as quickly as possible. Luckily I had my Gluten-Free pantry filled with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free ingredients and my favorite If You Care parchment paper sheets. These crispy cookies are sweet, delicate and incredibly easy to make. You will have to get the book to get the recipe but I assure you it is a must. I know I plan on making all of the recipes in Flavor Flours and Coconut Marjolaine, on page 312 will be the belle of the holiday season in my home.

Salud!

Lisa

P.S. I would like to thank Artisan, a division of Workman Publishing for sending me a review copy of Flavor Flours by Alice Medrich. This by no means influences my opinion of this cookbook. I have been a big fan of Alice Medrich since I was a little girl watching her on PBS – Baking with Julia Child and my home is filled with her cookbooks. I will forever be an enthusiast of Alice Medrich.

Let me just start off by saying I am one happy Gluten-Free Foodie! My wish came true this year when Zoë François and Jeff Hertzberg, M.D. created their 5th and newest book – Gluten-Free Artisan Bread In Five Minutes A Day. The entire book isGluten-Freewith 90 new, easy and scrumptious recipes all made with Gluten-Free Flours.

It is no surprise that I love this cookbook because it includes everything I ever dreamt about enjoying again and more! The recipes include Peasant Loaves, Flatbreads, Pizzas, Enriched Gluten-Free Breads and Pastries. It is so easy to follow the recipes once you mix the Master Mix – the possibilities are endless. The hardest part for me was choosing which recipe I wanted to make. Soft Pretzels, Bialys, Beignets Cinnamon Rolls, Naan, Pita – Oh my! Which one?!

I chose an old favorite that I haven’t had in years, Gluten-Free English Muffins.When I was a kid we used to toast our English Muffins in place of buns for our hamburgers. We would smother them with lots of butter and then serve with an nice crispy helping of plain old fashioned lightly salted potato chips. Mmm…I can’t wait!

Gluten-Free Artisan Bread in Five Minutes A Day recipes are so easy and I have to say that it was love at first bite. I must admit one little confession, when the first English Muffin was done I was beyond excited to smother it with butter and raspberry jam that I did not stop to think …take a picture! So sorry but you will just have to get this new cookbook and make them for yourself, friends and family.

This book is perfect for the beginner to Gluten-Free baking because all it includes information about Gluten-Free flours, techniques and simply detailed instructions for the recipes. It really is easy to make Gluten-Free treats everyday thanks to Zoë and Jeff.

Excuse me while I dash off to a special luncheon…

…my deliciousness awaits at home in front of the fireplace.

Salud!

Lisa

A special thanks to Zoë François, Jeff Hertzberg MD and Thomas Dunne Books for sending me a copy of Gluten-Free Artisan Bread In Five Minutes A Day cookbook to review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not influenced by the gift. I have been a big fan of theirs since their first book and plan to continue as they create more deliciously delectable Gluten-Free recipes.

I am so excited for the buffet of Foodie Films 2014 is serving us this year! We seem to have our plates full with what I have selected as this year’s Must See Foodie Films. So get out from behind your computer screen, cell phone screen and tablet and go to the big screen to see how Hollywood is making food a star!

I recently decided to whet my appetite with Chef – the film, written and directed by Jon Favreau and produced by OpenRoad Films. I call this movie a Romantic Comedy because things heat up in the kitchen with Chef as he makes you fall in love with his passion for food. The plot of the film serves up a fun filled theme that follows through on entertainment with music, social media and food images that will make you want to eat more than just popcorn. Chef, the film, doesn’t miss a tweet now that Chef Carl has learned his way around 140 characters while multitasking in the kitchen and facing his nemesis. Just as things are getting steamy in the kitchen, Chef hits a fork in the road and has to make a decision as to – what’s next? His spicy Ex-Wife Inez (Sofia Vergara), has an idea that takes them to Miami where the real El Jefe is created. The triangle between the bromance of Chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau), loyal friend and Chef Martin (John Leguizamo) and Carl and Inez’s son, Percy, decide to hit the road and get back to their food roots for inspiration. This is a must see movie this summer that will get your appetite going for some down-home fusion food-truck food.

A Culinary Event is the culmination of 15 years of creating artistically exquisite food by a world famous, award winning chef – Mar Vidal. Chef Vidal has decided take her journey on another road by closing her doors and promises to create her best culinary event to celebrate her success. Her artistic culinary menus and beloved restaurant are worshiped by foodies from around the world. Chef Vidal makes sure that everyone is well fed and entertained down to the succulent last bite.

The theme of “one last chance” is intertwined in the story lines between courses, giving us morsels into peoples lives as we see who comes to fill the tables and witness such a grand finale. What will happen at the end will have to wait because it will only work if all of the emulsions are represented and blended together to make an exquisite meal of a lifetime. Even if you don’t get to taste this menu your eyes will devour every delectable bite. This is a must for added inspiration beyond social media. Magnolia Pictures presents Tasting Menu starring Stephen Rea, Fionnula Flanagan, Claudia Bassols, Jan Cornet, Vicenta Ndongo and Togo Igawa.

Who knew that a farmer and self trained cook, Hortense Laborie, would be called by the French government to be the personal chef for President François Mitterrand? Yes, it was one of those days when you shake your head and say is this for real? Hortense’s life is turned up side down when she gets a chance of a life time when President Mitterrand requests a “chef from the countryside that cooks like my grandmother”. Mitterrand was tired of the haute cuisine from the past 7 years of his first term and wanted simplified meals which happen to be Hortense’s specialty. Once she accepts the offer she realizes that she is in for a battle between kitchens when she insists on being called Hortense – not chef, as she wraps her signature kitchen apron around her waist.

The film unfolds into a beautiful and bountiful setting with steamy food images of the meals that Hortense creates. You want to leap out of your seat and cheer from the sidelines as she strives to create just what the President desires to win and satisfy his appetite for simple meals against the all male chefs in the main kitchen. Once she really gets rolling she brings in her purveyors from her countryside home to bring her truffles and Organic produce. There are moments of challenges and sweet tender moments throughout the film that remind us of how food connects us all of us. Haute Cuisine is based on a true story and is produced by the Weinstein Company.

I was pleasantly surprised by this film and it inspired me to stick to my roots and to the kind of food that speaks to me in everything that I do.

The documentary film, FED UP is a collaboration of Executive Producers Katie Couric, Laurie David (Oscar Winning Producer of An Inconvenient Truth) and director Stephanie Soechtig about the food industry from the past 30 years. The film follows families that are morbidly obese and shows how the food choices they make are a result misleading marketing. This epidemic is not just at the grocery store it is within our school lunch programs. FED UP gives us insight as to how this epidemic is spreading like cancer with allowing companies to reach the students at a young age to make them customers for life.

Throughout the film there are very informative, expert interviews from Michael Pollan, President Bill Clinton, Dr. David Kessler, Dr. Mark Hyman, and many more. Their thoughts give us insight as to why our past/current food system are making us sick and what we should do about it. Is there a reason that diabetes is on the rise as soda sales are soaring? The film spotlights the insanely high levels of sugar, disguised in all forms and gives us a lesson in reading food labels which will make your head spin. But wait, the dairy industry finds a way to sell a commonly consumed beverage and to make another cash cow product that is heavily marketed to ensure it will be in everything you consume. So before you go out to eat another double burger with extra cheese and a super sized soda – GO SEE – FED UP and discover who is making big bucks for the food industry and why your waist is continuing to grow.

You can take a stand and tell the food industry your are FED UP too. Make your voice heard by the food industry with changing the way you shop for your groceries. To learn more about what you can do for yourself to make better food choices for your health FED UP has a “Sugar Free for 10 Days Challenge” that you can sign up for and follow on their web site.

FED UP the Movie will change the way you look at your food when you shop at the grocery store and eat out. This will hopefully be the kick start you need to clean out your pantry and make a fresh clean food start by shopping at your local Organic Farmers Markets.

So if it is getting too hot outside, grab your foodie friends and go inside to cool off at your local air conditioned theater! I hope that you enjoy my Foodie Films 2014 recommendations as much as I did. For additional information go to Fandango.com to find local show times and theaters. I am not associated with any of the films. The opinions and descriptions expressed are my own for which I am NOT compensated.

Oh my! If ever there was a match made in heaven it would be raspberry and bittersweet chocolate! Today is July 4th and in the Pacific Northwest we are expecting temps in the high 70’s – 80. So I decided to make my secret recipe for, Easy Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Frozen Yogurt! So of course I decided to make, Raspberry Frozen Yogurt with Bittersweet Chocolate Chunks. I must say that for me, when the fresh slightly sweet flavor of the raspberries melds with bittersweet chocolate, oh my! To me it is the perfect bite, especially when it is cold and creamy!

This year I am on a mission to make my own treats at home. I am trying to save some money but I’m also trying to eliminate extra sugar, waste and extra ingredients that are not good for me. I am focusing on high quality products with no added sugar, fresh Organic produce, grass fed meats, fresh wild fish and NON-GMO products. So when the mood strikes me on a warm Summer day, I make frozen yogurt with Coconut milk yogurt that I make at home or with SoDelicous – non-dairy, unsweetened plain or vanilla yogurt.

My secret is in the jar! I love Bonne Maman Preserves with my yogurt in the morning during the winter when I can’t get fresh fruit. So it makes the perfect choice to use in my frozen yogurt as well. Bonne Maman Raspberry Preserves are perfectly sweet so I don’t have to add sugar to my frozen yogurt. The flavor and the ruby color in the jar is beautiful too. The frozen yogurt melds into a pretty pink hue when it is mixed with the other ingredients.

Mix all of the ingredients, except for the chocolate into a bowl with spout.

Assemble the machine according to the instructions. Turn the machine on and slowly pour the ingredients into the machine through the hole. Let everything mix and freeze for 25 minutes. Slowly add the chocolate until all is mixed in. Turn the machine off. Carefully scoop out the frozen yogurt into freezer safe containers with lids. I save and re-use my jars from Bonne Maman. I love the pretty red and white checkered lids.

Allow the frozen yogurt to freeze for 20-30 minutes before serving. So go make some – Easy Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Frozen Yogurt!

**Please note that I purchased all of these ingredients and this is my recipe. A typical ice cream or frozen yogurt recipe adds at least a cup of sugar. By using the preserves I get all of the fruit flavor and save on adding sugar to the recipe. It is just a bonus that I love the NON-GMO/unsweetened yogurt and it really doesn’t need sweetener.

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About Lisa - Gluten Free Foodie

Learning to live Gluten Free is a challenge.
Gathering with like minded people while exchanging ideas, life experiences and gluten free food is more interesting!
So I created, Gluten Free Foodies, to support people with Celiac Disease, Gluten Intolerant and other Food Sensitive people by gathering at events and
celebrating the foods that we can eat!
Do you have a Gluten Free question you want the answer to?
Feel free to send me an email at glutenfreefoodies@gmail.com
Original blog - GlutenFreeFoodies.co
After all, didn't Erma Bombeck once say ...
"I am not a glutton, I am an explorer of food."

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